Ukrainian military pilot Maksym Ustimenko was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. The corresponding decree was published on the website of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The fallen defender was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Golden Star.
The decree states that Ustymenko was posthumously awarded the rank of colonel.
The military officer died on the night of 29 June while repelling a massive Russian attack on Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Air Force noted that the pilot used his entire arsenal of onboard weapons and shot down seven air targets, but while engaging the last one, his plane was damaged and began to lose altitude.
Ustymenko did everything possible to steer the aircraft away from populated areas, but did not have time to eject, according to the military.